“… the conclusion of the matter …”
Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole [duty] of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.
(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; NIV. Please read Ecclesiastes 6-12.)
When the man that had everything … knew everything … tried everything … came to the end of his life, he drew this conclusion: “Fear God and keep His commandments.”
Can I learn from his experience … will I learn from his wisdom?
For all of the things I want … for all of the things that I pursue (or intend to pursue) … I must acknowledge and apply myself to this matter first: “Fear God and keep His commandments.”
Among the duties that are assigned to me as a Christian … as a husband … as a father … as a grandfather … as a son … as a son-in-law … as a brother … as an uncle … as a nephew … as a friend … as a teacher … as a student … as a counselor … as a neighbor … as a driver … as a homeowner … as a lender … as a borrower … as a citizen … as a member … as an employee … as a volunteer … as a man … may I show the wisdom and courage to fulfill this duty: “Fear God and keep His commandments.”
ON SECOND THOUGHT: Interesting thought – apply the principle of “fear God and keep His commandments” to the area of your life where there is the most confusion or the most tension. Watch what happens … when priorities “get straight” … when you no longer major in minors or minor in majors … when you simplify your life.
May 23, 2008 at 12:41 pm
If I could wake up every morning and apply this wisdom, my life would be a lot better. I would do the things I should and stay out of the things I shouldn’t. I would be a better friend, son, brother, and christian. I need this reminder to keep God and His will on my mind. Too often I go through the day and don’t think of God or apply His commands to what I’m doing.
Just think God things.
May 23, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I remember the first time I read this. When I saw “This is the whole duty of man” I was so happy. I thought, “Here it is, the list I’ve always wanted from God. The list that I could just check off and know that I’m doing good.” But once I started really thinking about it it seemed too vague. Fear God and keep His commandments. This is not just a short check off list and there’s a lot behind it.
A few weeks ago we talked about the “most important” commands of God. Love God and love your neighbor. Even this seems easy at the onset, but once I look at it … I get overwhelmed. I start thinking of all the ways I am supposed to do that and it seems way too big. So I know I have to take those things day by day. Moment by moment. Show the person I’m talking to right now the love of Jesus … then do the same with the next one and the next one.
I need to be reminded of priorities. This is where I get bogged down … I major in minors, majors, and anything in between. There are no “little deals” to me. I need to see things from God’s perspective. What would be His priority? That’s a good place to start.
May 23, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I’ve always liked the saying “Less is more” and the idea of keeping things simple. 6:11 “The more the words, the less the meaning”…..I like it!
After all Solomon had to say about what is meaningless, the most important thing to remember he kept simple. Fear God and keep his commandments….I tell my kids all the time at school to please do their jobs. I need to say that to myself a little more often. Your job is an easy one to remember….Fear God and keep his commandments!
May 23, 2008 at 11:38 pm
I have to say that this whole book is like a contradiction to me. Live it up, be happy for that is a gift…but remember that God will judge you for it. Huh? I really have a hard time with trying to keep straight what it was Solomon wanted to say. But it all boils down to the whole duty of man “Fear God and keep His commandments.” That part I can understand. It’s simple…but not always easy.
Do I fear God in everything I say and do? Do I remember what it is He would have me do in every situation? No I think not. But I want to. I want to be a better woman, friend, student, boss etc etc. God help me gain the wisdom and knowledge to do what You would have me do…today…tomorrow…every day that You give me.